What is ioss royal mail

iOSS (Import One Stop Shop) is a simplified procedure for importing goods into the European Union (EU) that are subject to value-added tax (VAT) and excise duties. It is a one-stop-shop for importers, allowing them to declare and pay VAT and excise duties on their imports in a single declaration.

In the UK, Royal Mail is a designated iOSS operator, which means that they can help businesses import goods into the EU and handle the necessary customs formalities, including VAT and excise duties.

Here's how it works:

1. The importer (e.g. a business) sends goods to the EU from outside the EU.
2. The goods are cleared through customs and Royal Mail, as the iOSS operator, handles the customs declaration and payment of VAT and excise duties.
3. The importer receives a single invoice from Royal Mail that includes the cost of the goods, VAT, and excise duties.
4. The importer can then claim back the VAT paid on the goods, if applicable, through the EU's VAT refund scheme.

Using an iOSS operator like Royal Mail can simplify the import process and reduce the administrative burden on businesses. It can also help to reduce the risk of errors and delays, as the customs declaration and payment of duties are handled by a single entity.

It's worth noting that iOSS is only available for goods that are subject to VAT and excise duties, and not for all types of imports. Additionally, there may be specific requirements and restrictions that apply to the use of iOSS, so businesses should check with Royal Mail or other relevant authorities to ensure they meet the necessary criteria.